UP Board Exam 2026: STF to Monitor Exams in 18 Sensitive Districts to Prevent Cheating

The Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (UPMSP) has intensified its preparations to ensure fair and transparent conduct of the Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations for the academic session 2025–26. With the UP Board exams scheduled to begin on February 18, the administration has identified 18 districts as “sensitive” due to irregularities reported during previous examinations.

Special Task Force (STF) teams will be deployed in these areas to closely monitor the examination process.

Strict Measures Ahead of UP Board Exams 2026

This year, the UP Board is determined to conduct completely cheating-free examinations. In view of past incidents of mass cheating and other examination-related misconduct, authorities have decided to adopt a zero-tolerance policy. According to officials, enhanced surveillance, strict enforcement of rules, and legal action against offenders will be key components of the board’s strategy.

Practical examinations for the Intermediate (Class 12) students are set to begin on January 24, while written examinations for both High School and Intermediate classes will run from February 18 to March 12, 2026.

18 Districts Declared Sensitive

Based on reports from previous years, the administration has proposed declaring 18 districts as sensitive. These districts had witnessed incidents of cheating or administrative lapses during earlier board examinations.

To prevent any repetition, examinations in these districts will be conducted under the direct supervision of the STF, along with support from local police and intelligence units.

The list of sensitive districts has been forwarded to higher authorities, and once approved, it will be shared with STF and Local Intelligence Unit (LIU) teams for coordinated action.

Large-Scale Examination Arrangements

More than 52.30 lakh students have registered for the UP Board Class 10 and 12 examinations this year.

To accommodate such a large number of candidates, the board has set up 8,033 examination centres across the state.

In a major move, the board has already removed 639 schools from the list of examination centres due to their involvement in unfair practices in previous years. Of these, 254 schools have been permanently barred, while proceedings to cancel the recognition of 385 schools are currently underway.

Severe Punishment for Cheating

UP Board Secretary Bhagwati Singh has instructed all District Inspectors of Schools (DIOS) to submit updated lists of sensitive and highly sensitive examination centres. He emphasised that any individual found involved in cheating or facilitating unfair means will face strict legal consequences under the Uttar Pradesh Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.

Under this law, offenders can be fined up to ₹1 crore and may even face life imprisonment.

The board believes that such stringent punishment will act as a strong deterrent and help restore credibility to the examination system.

Focus on Transparency and Student Confidence

Officials have stated that the primary objective behind these measures is to protect honest students and ensure that merit alone determines academic success. Advanced monitoring systems, flying squads, and surprise inspections will be conducted throughout the examination period.

Students have been advised to focus on their preparation and not fall prey to rumours or unfair practices. The board has assured that all necessary arrangements are in place to provide a secure and fair examination environment.